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The Detroit Tigers inked left-hander Matt Matt Moore to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Moore was an all-star with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013.Photo: Chris O'Meara

Jim Parker, Windsor Star

Published: December 4, 2018 - 11:11 PM

The Detroit Tigers are taking a chance that left-handed starter Matt Moore can regain his all-star form.

The Tigers officially announced the signing of the 29-year-old Moore on Tuesday to a one-year Major League Baseball contract for a reported $2.5 million plus incentives that could total another $1 millions. The two sides had agreed to terms last week pending Moore passing a physical.

“Matt is a veteran left-handed starting pitcher with a solid three-pitch mix that we see competing for a spot in our rotation next season,” Tigers vice-president of baseball operations and general manager Al Avila said in a statement.

The rebuilding Tigers found help last season with the low-risk signings of right-hander Mike Fiers and left-hander Francisco Liriano and the club hopes Moore, who is younger than both, can get similar production.

“He has the ability to effectively use the whole strike zone with his arsenal, and we’re excited for him to join our organization,” Avila said.

The six-foot-three, 210-pound Moore broke into the majors with Tampa Bay in 2011 and was named an all-star in 2013 after posting a 17-4 record with a 3.29 earned-run average.

However, Moore underwent Tommy John surgery in 2014 and has struggled to regain his all-star form.

He split time with Tampa Bay and the San Francisco Giants in 2016 and went 13-12, but struggled with a 6-15 record with the Giants in 2017 and last season had a 3-8 record in 39 games last season with 12 starts and had a 6.79 earned-run average for the Texas Rangers.

Moore’s signing leaves 38 players on Detroit’s 40-man roster.

Megan recalled

The Detroit Red Wings recalled centre Wade Megan on Tuesday from the team’s American Hockey League farm club in Grand Rapids.

The 28-year-old Megan appeared in six games earlier this season with the Red Wings without recording a point.

Megan’s recall came after the club lost forward Anthony Mantha, who is out four-to-six weeks with a broken hand.

TigerFest tickets

Tickets for the Detroit Tigers annual TigerFest go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m.

The event, which features current players, coaches and alumni, allows fans to visit the clubhouse, dugout and meet with players. The event is set for Jan. 26th.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling 866-66-TIGER or online at tigers.com/tigerfest after 10 a.m. on Friday. The cost is $30 (US) for adults and $15 (US) for kids 14 and under.